Lice Groups

Mallophagan Louse
Chewing Louse.
Head wider than Thorax.
Wide head accomodates chewing mandibles and jaw muscles.

Anopluran Louse
Sucking Louse.
Head narrower than Thorax.
Head only needs apparatus for piercing & sucking.

Mallophagan Louse

Head -- Note width of Head v/s Thorax.

Antenna -- Sensory Appendages.

Thorax -- Note width of Thorax.

Legs -- Three pairs of legs. Front legs are often tucked under the head.

Tarsal Claws -- Claw at the end of the leg. Often a single simple claw.

Abdomen -- Note spiracles & chitinous pigmented bars on each segment.

Anopluran Louse

Head -- Note width of Head v/s Thorax.

Antenna -- Sensory Appendages.

Thorax -- Note width of Thorax.

Legs -- Three pairs of legs.

Simple Claw -- Claw with a simple hook.

Compound Claw -- Complex claw with an end hook & "grasping thumb".

Abdomen -- Spiracles & hair rows per segment.

Hair Rows -- The number of hair rows per abdominal segment is used for identifying some species.